Michigan loosened its COVID-19 restrictions this week, removing limits on outdoor gatherings and increasing capacity limits indoors.
Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad said the relaxed restrictions could help beach towns in Southwest Michigan recover the business they lost last summer.
“Many of our businesses rely on the busy summer months with tourists and visitors in the area to really help boost their business,” Conrad said.
With restaurants and bars now allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, and attendance limits removed for fairs, festivals and other outdoor activities, Conrad said a normal summer season should help the region bounce back from the pandemic.
“It is a great thing that we are able to inch back closer to normal," she said. "This will only be a boost for our local businesses and our local economy.”
The remainder of Michigan’s COVID-19 restrictions are expected to end July 1.
Contact Gemma atgdicarlo@wvpe.orgor follow her on Twitter at@gemma_dicarlo.
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